First Aid, CPR and AED
Chapter 6 Notes: p. 31-33
Name: _________________________
Date/Block: ____________________
Cardiovascular Emergencies!
Signs of a Heart Attack:
1. Chest pressure and/or pain that lasts for more than a few minutes
2. Pain spreading to the neck, shoulders, jaw or arms. Usually on the left side.
3. Dizziness, sweating, or nausea
4. Shortness of breath
What are the differences in men and women pertaining to heart attacks?
Many women do not have classic signs. Instead, they may have severe
fatigue, upset stomach and shortness of breath. Because they are not classic
signs, like chest pain, heart attacks are diagnosed and treated much later than
they normally are in men. Women are more likely than men to die from a heart
attack because of the delay in treatment.
Care for heart attack:
1. Call 9-1-1. Give the victim medications to dissolve a clot.
2. Help the victim into the most comfortable resting position.
3. If the victim is alert and not allergic to aspirin, give 4 chewable or one
regular aspirin.
4. Help the victim take any prescribed heart disease medications and continue
to monitor their breathing.
Define Angina:
 Chest pain associated with heart disease that occurs when the heart
muscle does not get enough oxygen. It can also be caused by physical
activity, exposure to cold and stress.
What are the signs of angina?
 Chest pain that is relieved by nitroglycerin or stops within 10 minutes.
Care for angina:
1. Have the victim rest.
2. If the victim has their own nitroglycerin, help them to use it.
3. If chest pain continues beyond 10 minutes, suspect a heart attack and call
9-1-1.
Define Stroke:
 Occurs when part of the blood flow to the brain is suddenly cut off due to
a blockage or rupture of the arteries in the brain
What are the common signs of a stroke?
 Weakness/numbness of the face, arm, or leg (one side of the body)
 Blurred/decreased vision
 Problems speaking
 Dizziness/loss of balance
 Sudden/severe headache
 Sudden confusion
Using FAST, you can quickly assess a victim for the possibility of a stroke:
FACE: Ask the victim to smile, does one side of their mouth droop?
ARMS: Ask the victim to extend both arms out, does one arm drift downwards?
Speech: Ask the victim to repeat a simple sentence, is it correct? Slurred words?
Time: IMPORTANT!!! What time did the symptoms start? CALL 9-1-1!
Care for stroke:
1. Call 9-1-1.
2. Have the victim rest in a comfortable position, usually on their back with
head and shoulders elevated.
3. If they are vomiting, roll the victim into the recovery position.